Sample Letters

Termination Letter to Employer​

​How to Write a Termination Letter to Employer

How to Write a Termination Letter to Employer

It's important to be polite when resigning. Even if there are serious personal issues at hand remember that this letter will be placed into an employment file that will reflect upon the employee for years to come. No matter the reason or reasons for leaving, remain polite and avoid any negativity in the termination letter.

Begin the letter by thanking the current position for the learning opportunity given. Thank them for the support and help that has been given. Thank them for the chance to work with them. Let them know how much they are appreciated (yes, even if they aren't be civil and tactful here). Leave them with a professional opinion of the employee. Again, remember that this letter will be placed into an employee file and can affect the employee for years to come.​Brief Summary

Give a brief summary as to the reason for leaving. An opportunity that just can't be passed up is always a worthy choice. A sample might go like this: "I would like to thank all of the staff at Employer Name for their encouragement and assistance during my employment. I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with such a great group of people and I will be taking with me valuable insight into my job position. Having worked with such a great group of people was a valuable opportunity for my education".

Be sure to state in the termination letter that the decision wasn't an easy decision to come to. Examples might go like this: "Although this was a challenging decision to make, I feel I must take this opportunity to move my career onward" or another example might read: "It is with deep introspective soul searching that I've decided to accept another position that will launch my career forward".

Wish former co-workers and employers the best and thank them again for allowing the opportunity to work with them. Even if it's not sincere, it's appreciated by all.

Perhaps the job was miserable and co-workers were difficult. Don't go into this in the termination letter. This letter is not the time, nor the place for such revelations. Keep them to oneself and keep the letter on the positive side. Self respect and the respect of colleagues may well outweigh the revenge factor.

If the departing employee is willing and able to be available to ease the transition of the new employee be sure to mention that briefly in the letter. "I'd be happy to ease the transition of the new employee into my position".

Give Notice As Per The Contract

​Most employers require a set notification time for terminations. A quick examination of the contract will help in knowing the timeline requirement for a termination. If an earlier termination is desired, ask politely for example: "Although my contract states I am required a 2 week notice, I would like to go to my new job position as soon as next week. If there is any way to accomplish this please let me know".

End the letter with a little bit of fluff telling the employer again (reworded of course) how much it meant to work with the company, co-workers and the employer.

Give a polite "Thank You" at the end of the letter and the employee's name.

Writing a termination letter can be intimidating but following these guidelines will help to make it a bit easier.